The Landscape Character Assessment Guidance, published by Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage, provides advice on how to identify and express the different elements, such as woodlands, hedgerows, moors, mountains and farmland, building styles, and historic artefacts, which give a place its unique character.

The document sets out the full scope of activity potentially involved in a LCA, but recognises that it may be possible to undertake a more modest exercise that will still inform decision-making. The guidance has two parts

1. a basic guide to the approach and methods of LCA
2. a series of topic papers offering more detail on particular uses and policy contexts

The Landscape Character Assessment Guidance is currently being reviewed and updated.